SnowMansion Taos Adventure Lodge & Hostel — Hotel in Four Corners States

Do Not Go if you need hookups. The energy system seems far from code (as with basically most systems there). We were charge $75 plus tax to stay for one night in our converted school bus. There was no official spot to park so we were exposed on all four sides smack in the middle of the footpath. We were charged extra for the 30v plug-in. Since we knew we were plugged in, we used a 1500w electric heater. Halfway through the night, to our panicked surprise, our inverter showed it was overloaded and our batteries had been drained. When we confronted them about it, we discovered that the entire place was on this breaker (at least several other RVs or trailers and/or cabins). While we have some level of an appreciation for the “anti-structure” going on there, we were pretty appalled that they put our entire energy system in jeopardy with this rogue hookup.

Secondly, it’s worth noting that this place seems like it would be a great place to visit long-term on a work trade. There seems to be a long-term community there of work-traders or full-timers. Having worked in hospitality and hostels, it’s worth noting that this has pros and cons for the traveler. While the people were friendly, there was an aire of exclusivity which was a bit unwelcoming and we ultimately felt valued... as a dollar sign.

The whole place seemed a bit neglected and catering to the ultra-hippy type person. Cool if that’s your thing. If I had to sum it up in a few words, they might be: Green, nice garden overpriced...

SnowMansion is a really cool building from the outside! While I didn't have time to wander, it also seemed to be in a super cool little village. The inside is well kept, and the furniture and kitchen and all that is about what you'd expect. Mismatched furniture, a hodgepodge of dishes and silverware, simple cereal and coffee available for the morning.

They kept some windows open upstairs, so you could hear rain and the occasional traffic, but pleasantly, not glaringly.

The dorm was perfectly adequate. The bunks had definitely seen better days, but the springs were supplemented by plywood, and the old mattresses were plenty comfortable. Linens were clean, everything was well swept and mopped and such.

So far, on track for a 5 star hostel.

A few issues, there was seemingly no insulation above our dorm, because the room above sounded like stomping elephants. The dorm room smelled musty, even though the rest of the hostel didn't.

I have to mention it, but I want to stress that Amu took it very seriously and is remedying it immediately- I woke up with bedbugs bites. There had been no signs on the mattress that they had a widespread infestation, so he and I were both surprised! But by the time I left, he was already deciding where to put the other bunkmates and how he was going to exterminate.

For all that, I wouldn't hesitate to come back. I'm sure he'll have it taken care of. I hope the room is less musty and the building gets...

As somewhat of a professional vagabond, I have stayed in about every level of accommodation you can imagine in my journeys on the road. Seldom do I find a place like the Snow Mansion with eclectic originality, comfortable accommodation, and a friendly staff that makes you feel like family. I have stayed at the Snow Mansion every time I visit Taos and it has become somewhat of a spiritual recharging center for me. While just a few minutes drive from town, being nestled in the hills of arroyo seco gives you profound peace and quiet with top notch establishments like Sol Foods, Abe’s, and Taos Cow just a stones throw away. Also, the gorge, earth ships, and hot springs are closer and dark nights make for amazing star gazing and Astro photography. If you are into winter sports, Taos ski valley is just a short trek, but Taos is worth visiting during any season. The Snow Mansion offers cabins, individual rooms, or even large shared spaces with bunk beds large enough for a traveling group. During my stays, I have met some amazing creative people that I have maintained friendships with, you never know who you will run into at the snow mansion. On my first visit I bumped into a friend from Louisiana randomly. Sometimes when you listen to the universe, you find a place that welcomes you with open arms and feels like home and you know you are where you are meant to be. I wish there were more snow mansions out there, but this place is truly...